There are many ways to replace missing teeth, including bridges and multiple types of dentures. In addition to those methods, dental implants have become a popular option for replacing missing teeth due to their similarity to natural teeth and their durability. Implants have many advantages over dentures and bridges, which will be explored later in this post. If you’re interested in learning about a beneficial tooth replacement option, continue reading about how implants can restore your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are made out of titanium. Implants involve surgically placing a screw directly into the jaw bone to serve as an artificial tooth root to hold your prosthetic tooth in place. Implants can be made to replace a single tooth, or you can have multiple implants designed to replace a series of missing teeth.
Implants are extremely strong because the jaw bone actually grows around the screw, holding it in place as if it was a natural tooth (more on this later). The amount of time it takes for a prosthetic tooth to be attached to the screw varies, with some patients able to have everything placed all in one visit, while others may require a few months until their mouth fully heals.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
- Implants look, work and feel like natural teeth. There is little difference in feeling and function with implants compared to regular teeth, unlike dentures.
- Implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution. They are extremely strong and durable.
- They are low maintenance and cared for the same way as natural teeth by brushing twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly.
- Implants prevent bone loss and bone shrinkage that comes with tooth loss. Once a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone located in your jaw begins to deteriorate. Implants prevent this deterioration by adding a familiar structure for the bone to grow around. Dentures do not help maintain the facial and bone structure that implants do.
- Implants only focus on the individual tooth that is missing, they don’t require support from nearby teeth, like bridges do.
The Final Word
Certain medical conditions may affect your body’s ability to heal after implant surgery. It’s important to talk with both your dentist and your physician to map out a customized treatment plan that will be best for you, so you can restore the smile you know and love.
